Media stint for Ponting

Chris Barrett

Richie, Chappelli, Heals, Tubby, Binga and Slats. Get ready to add to that list Punter. Ricky Ponting will become the latest ex-cricketer to join the Channel Nine commentary team, although not as early as this summer. Ponting is keen to pursue a post-playing career in coaching - which Cricket Australia has already contacted him about - but says he will likely end up in the commentary box as well. ''I've got a great passion for coaching and a great passion for helping young people out,'' he said on Thursday. ''Down the track there probably will be some Channel Nine commentary that will come up.'' For now, Ponting is playing out the domestic season with Tasmania and Big Bash team Hobart.

FOND FAREWELL

Ponting will be farewelled in style on day one of the Hobart Test. He will do a lap of honour in the lunch break and Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards will then present him with a commemorative crystal decanter.

CALL TO INCLUDE WSC STATS

Viv Richards is adamant that runs and wickets from the World Series Cricket era should be counted in players' overall records. ''I'm a little bit pissed off with the people who organise the stats, because that was some of the hardest cricket ever played,'' Richards said at the Lindsay Hassett Club lunch in Melbourne on Thursday. The ICC has not yet been convinced.

WIN-WIN FOR D'COSTA

Batting guru Neil D'Costa could have a foot in both camps at next year's Ashes. Phil Hughes' batting coach is also the mentor of England's Nick Compton, who made his Test debut in India last month.

AUSTRALIA DAY COUP

Australia Day cricket in Sydney has received a boost with the Australia Day Council adopting the January 26 Twenty20 international at ANZ Stadium as one of its major events. The venue pinched the Australia Day game from Adelaide Oval, with that ground being redeveloped.